State of Origin predictions: Game one - What the experts say

Share on social media

The opening match of the 2018 Holden State of Origin series is almost upon us. The experts at NRL.com have shared their thoughts on how they think Wednesday's clash at the MCG will unfold.

Michael Chammas - NRL.com chief reporterIn previous years NSW have picked a team trying to stop Queensland. Brad Fittler has picked a team that cares more about scoring points than stopping them. The Blues possess far too much strike power to be contained. NSW by 14.

Margie McDonald - NRL.com senior reporterQueensland don't have a recognised goal kicker, enough grunt up front and no real leadership in the forwards. They should have picked Matt Scott or Sam Thaiday. NSW's youthful exuberance will trump the Queenslanders. NSW by 6.

Brad Walter - NRL.com senior reporterBrad Fittler has chosen a team based on form and with the aim of beating Queensland, not trying to match them. Blues to win in a high-scoring game. NSW by 8.

Andrew Voss - Fox SportsIn the history of Origin we've only had two golden-point games, 2004 and 2005. Lock me in for a third. I just think this year's series is the "great unknown". NSW have outscored Queensland by 121 points to 120 in Melbourne Origin matches. Come Wednesday night, the points tally will be level. Queensland by 1.

Pamela Whaley - Big League editorQueensland have neglected to name a regular goal kicker, and while coach Kevin Walters is convinced they can score more tries than the Blues to make up for it, often these games are decided by the smallest of margins. It should be another close one but expect the Maroons to bring in a specialist boot for game two. NSW by 12.

Steve Renouf - NRL.com expert, Maroons legendIf Dylan Napa fires up front he can be the difference to give Queensland a crucial victory over NSW in Melbourne on Wednesday night. The Blues have picked 11 debutants and a virtual new side. They will take time to gel but you don't have time in Origin. Queensland by 4.

Paul Suttor - NRL.com editorThe Blues have a rookie coach and more than half their team will be testing themselves in the Origin cauldron for the first time. Queensland still have plenty of experience and arguably a stronger squad. Plus most of the MCG fans will be cheering the Maroons. Queensland by 4.

Steve Turner - NRL.com expert, former Blues wingerIt's a new era for State of Origin. Thurston, Smith and Cronk have gone, while NSW will unleash 11 debutants and a new coach. With so much speed out wide and hardened forwards, Brad Fittler's men will be too good for the Maroons. NSW by 12.

Zac Bailey - NRL.com reporterThe Blues have more speed than the Maroons. It wouldn't matter if NSW were heading to Origin I via Oxford St, Caxton St or Flinders St – once they're out on the pitch, Freddy's Blues will be too quick around the ruck and out wide for Kevvie's Maroons. NSW by 10.

Jamie Soward - NRL.com expert, former Blues five-eighthNSW have chosen a speedy side and it shapes up as one that's going to score points. If you look at the Queensland side they've basically got the Australian backline bar James Maloney, so that's going to be a threat. The Cook/Tedesco combination needs to get on the same page very quickly and we've seen what Cleary and Maloney can do. NSW by 15.

Matthew Elliott - NRL.com expert, former NRL coachI don't there is any expertise required in Origin tipping, because it is all about guessing and guessing how your team is going to win. I am gonna pick Queensland, not by 4000 but probably by four. They are gonna score the winner late in the game.Queensland by 4.

Chris Kennedy - NRL.com reporterThe Blues' power-packed forward roster will get over their steadier Maroons rivals and provide enough chances for the scintillating backs to work their magic. Queensland's Origin experience will keep it tight though. NSW by 4.

Dylan Morris - NRL.com reporterQueensland will win Origin I, they have the key players to fill the void left by Smith, Thurston and Cronk. Queensland by 6.

Dan Walsh - NRL.com reporterAll the hype is on NSW's rookies, but the Maroons still boast absolute world beaters in Greg Inglis and Will Chambers. If it comes down to the clutch, one of these stars will prove the difference. Queensland by 4.

Andrew Marmont - NRL.com reporterExperience counts for something. Inglis and Morgan to provide calm heads and leadership. That's what's needed at this level. Their smarts to edge a close one. Queensland by 8.

Lone Scout - NRL.com fantasy expertThe Blues have gambled on attacking weapons and it's a gamble that may pay off – especially against a team missing the three players that have pulled the strings for Queensland for a decade. NSW by 12.

Peter Jolly - NRL.com reporterA new era for NSW under the influential Brad Fittler. The players around the new coach will be hungry to impress their new mentor along with the passionate fans of NSW. The right mix of ingredients will see NSW prevail. NSW by 12.

Tanisha Stanton - NRL.com reporterThe NSW pack will be physical, Damien Cook will be running free and making plenty of metres at the back end of each half and Nathan Cleary will bring structure and provide the calm head that NSW need. NSW by 12.

Hayley Byrnes - NRL.com reporterNathan Cleary will have NSW fans nervous before finding his feet and steering the Blues to a game-one win. Tommy Turbo will have a monster game. NSW by 6.

Joel Gould - NRL.com reporterThe pace and speed of the NSW backline is one thing. Eleven debutants is another. The experience and class of Maroons skipper Greg Inglis on the big stage should come to the fore and get Queensland home, but only just. Queensland by 4.

Jackson Thomas - NRL.com reporterNew blood gets it done on a combination of enthusiasm and athleticism. With all eyes on Freddy's baby-faced Blues, I think the men from NSW get up for game one - the series will be a different beast, however. NSW by 16.

Katie Brown - NRL.com reporterThe debutants will fire, there is speed to burn in the outside backs and their forwards will at least match the Maroons pack. NSW by 2.